NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas Friday, October 17, 2025
Oct 18, 2025
Trump makes headlines by commuting George Santos' sentence, stirring discussions on clemency. A high-stakes meeting with Zelenskyy unveils Ukraine's missile requests, while tensions escalate at a Trump-Putin summit over a rejected ceasefire. The U.S. military strikes drug submarines off Venezuela, and John Bolton faces serious legal troubles. In lighter news, a woman attributes her Powerball win to ChatGPT, and a high school team surprises their custodian with a car, showcasing heartwarming community spirit.
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Commutation Of George Santos
- President Trump commuted George Santos's sentence immediately, citing pleas from friends and a prison letter.
- The president framed Santos as a loyal Republican despite convictions for fraud and identity theft.
Tomahawk Request Left Unanswered
- President Zelensky asked Trump for Tomahawk missiles but received no commitment.
- White House officials say Trump believes Tomahawks would likely prolong the war and was already leaning against supplying them.
Alaska Summit Showed Friction With Putin
- Tensions surfaced from Trump's Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, where Trump nearly walked out.
- Putin rejected a ceasefire proposal and delivered a long historical speech that frustrated Trump.